53 min read
Halloween at the Silver Fox
October 31, 2017
◈ WHO: Cordelia, Adrian, Reuben, Ryder, & Evan (Ebony Shade & Skyeforge)
◈ WHEN: Evening on October 31, 2017
◈ WHERE: The Silver Fox Tech Café & Lounge
◈ WEATHER: Chilly.
◈ WHEN: Evening on October 31, 2017
◈ WHERE: The Silver Fox Tech Café & Lounge
◈ WEATHER: Chilly.
As Adrian took stock of the bar one last time, making sure his counts for things were correct, a warm light accumulated next to him before taking the form of a blonde man. Adjusting his glasses, the man spoke in smooth British tones. "The pre-flight checklist is complete. All systems are online and functioning at optimal parameters."
"Thank you Nigel." Adrian replied before giving a great stretch and calling for his granddaughter. "Cordelia?"
Fiddling around the DJ booth, the Raevan quickly answered as she switched two cables. "Just a sec Granddad...this goes here and...yes! Done." As soon as she was finished, Cordelia made her way quick to the bar area. "Sorry, I was just making final adjustments to Glitch. Hopefully she doesn't come out of lullaby mode until she's suppose to this time."
Adrian gave an amused smile. He still wasn't sure if advertising one of the cafe's AIs as "glitchy" was a good idea or not, but it was Cordelia's creation and she thought it sort of fit the whole tech theme anyway. Maybe people would just think of it all as part of the charm? Luckily, Glitch was only in charge of music and not anything extremely important. "I'm sure you got it this time, but we'll keep an eye on it regardless. I know she's not been an easy task for you, but I'm proud of all the work you've done so far."
Delia blushed and then coughed to cover up her embarrassment, "Isn't it about time to open already?"
Looking at the time, "Oh! You're right. Nigel, please unlock the doors and greet our first guests if you'd be so kind."
"Commencing opening procedures..." stated the AI before a version of himself appeared before the big double front doors as they opened. He smiled cordially and gave a bow to their first customers. "Welcome to the Silver Fox."
"Thank you Nigel." Adrian replied before giving a great stretch and calling for his granddaughter. "Cordelia?"
Fiddling around the DJ booth, the Raevan quickly answered as she switched two cables. "Just a sec Granddad...this goes here and...yes! Done." As soon as she was finished, Cordelia made her way quick to the bar area. "Sorry, I was just making final adjustments to Glitch. Hopefully she doesn't come out of lullaby mode until she's suppose to this time."
Adrian gave an amused smile. He still wasn't sure if advertising one of the cafe's AIs as "glitchy" was a good idea or not, but it was Cordelia's creation and she thought it sort of fit the whole tech theme anyway. Maybe people would just think of it all as part of the charm? Luckily, Glitch was only in charge of music and not anything extremely important. "I'm sure you got it this time, but we'll keep an eye on it regardless. I know she's not been an easy task for you, but I'm proud of all the work you've done so far."
Delia blushed and then coughed to cover up her embarrassment, "Isn't it about time to open already?"
Looking at the time, "Oh! You're right. Nigel, please unlock the doors and greet our first guests if you'd be so kind."
"Commencing opening procedures..." stated the AI before a version of himself appeared before the big double front doors as they opened. He smiled cordially and gave a bow to their first customers. "Welcome to the Silver Fox."
Arriving at the cafe, the two pulled up in Reuben's Prius and parked. "This is it," he said, a large smile on his face as he opened the car door and looked at the sign on the outside that said 'The Silver Fox'. His smile was apparent more for the fact he was about to see Evan than anything else, since it had been so long. Also, trying to find Adrian right away to ask about Ebony would be a top priority of his.
Ryder exited the vehicle on the passenger side with a sigh. He wasn't sure how he'd like this outing. Nothing had been going right in the poor frei's life. Being honest with himself, he wasn't really up to meeting new people. But, he decided that he'd do anything to get out of the house. He closed the passenger door with gusto and floated slowly behind his guardian, wrapping his arms up. He was garbed in his usual attire, not caring for the whole "costume party". He wasn't in the mood to get dressed up in anything fun. Though his normal attire, being that of medieval times, could very well be taken as a costume in and of itself.
In the parking lot, just a few cars over, Evan waited for Reuben's arrival with his headphones in, watching YouTube videos. That was, until he had a knock on the window. With a startled jump in surprise, Evan chuckled and took out his headphones before opening up his car door and exiting to give Reuben a long awaited hug. "Reuben! It's been a while! How've you been?"
"I've been great, and thank you so much for coming out tonight. You've already met Ryder," Reuben's tone changed, for how the two met was rather messy.
Evan smiled with a nod. "Of course, how're you doing, buddy?"
Ryder gave a slight smirk and a shrug to the question, not really wishing to disclose any further information than that. Reuben just rolled his eyes and shook his head at his friend. "Don't mind him, he's been in a mood all month," he said quietly enough that Ryder couldn't hear.
Evan just shrugged it off and wrapped his arm around Reuben's shoulders. "Let's get on in there, shall we?"
With that, the three entered the bar, ready to mingle. Reuben and Evan in arms and Ryder following closely behind.
Ryder exited the vehicle on the passenger side with a sigh. He wasn't sure how he'd like this outing. Nothing had been going right in the poor frei's life. Being honest with himself, he wasn't really up to meeting new people. But, he decided that he'd do anything to get out of the house. He closed the passenger door with gusto and floated slowly behind his guardian, wrapping his arms up. He was garbed in his usual attire, not caring for the whole "costume party". He wasn't in the mood to get dressed up in anything fun. Though his normal attire, being that of medieval times, could very well be taken as a costume in and of itself.
In the parking lot, just a few cars over, Evan waited for Reuben's arrival with his headphones in, watching YouTube videos. That was, until he had a knock on the window. With a startled jump in surprise, Evan chuckled and took out his headphones before opening up his car door and exiting to give Reuben a long awaited hug. "Reuben! It's been a while! How've you been?"
"I've been great, and thank you so much for coming out tonight. You've already met Ryder," Reuben's tone changed, for how the two met was rather messy.
Evan smiled with a nod. "Of course, how're you doing, buddy?"
Ryder gave a slight smirk and a shrug to the question, not really wishing to disclose any further information than that. Reuben just rolled his eyes and shook his head at his friend. "Don't mind him, he's been in a mood all month," he said quietly enough that Ryder couldn't hear.
Evan just shrugged it off and wrapped his arm around Reuben's shoulders. "Let's get on in there, shall we?"
With that, the three entered the bar, ready to mingle. Reuben and Evan in arms and Ryder following closely behind.
As they watched the doors open to the public for the first time, Cordelia couldn't help feeling somewhat anxious. Fiddling with the black tie of her uniform, "Oh man, I didn't think this many people would show up Granddad. I'm really nervous now."
Adrian chuckled as he gave the Frei a sideways hug and quick kiss to the forehead. "Just give them your best smile and everything will be fine Dove. If you need me I'll be at the bar."
Delia merely pouted as her grandfather practically abandoned her to the incoming crowd. She'd completely forgotten that he would be stuck at the bar all night. As if sensing her unease, Nigel appeared and offered his assistance. "I am also at your disposal Miss Shade."
Her pout only got worse as she looked at the blonde AI, "I thought I told you to stop calling me that. Just Cordelia is fine."
"My apologizes. Miss Cordelia then." Nigel adjusted his glasses as he corrected himself and disappeared.
The snake sighed, "Not what I meant..."
Adrian chuckled as he gave the Frei a sideways hug and quick kiss to the forehead. "Just give them your best smile and everything will be fine Dove. If you need me I'll be at the bar."
Delia merely pouted as her grandfather practically abandoned her to the incoming crowd. She'd completely forgotten that he would be stuck at the bar all night. As if sensing her unease, Nigel appeared and offered his assistance. "I am also at your disposal Miss Shade."
Her pout only got worse as she looked at the blonde AI, "I thought I told you to stop calling me that. Just Cordelia is fine."
"My apologizes. Miss Cordelia then." Nigel adjusted his glasses as he corrected himself and disappeared.
The snake sighed, "Not what I meant..."
"Whoa, there's a lot of people here," Evan stated as his arm dropped off of Reuben's shoulder when the three entered the cafe.
Reuben nodded, trying to keep an eye out for anyone he might know, especially looking forward to seeing Delia and Adrian.
Ryder just felt uncomfortable. He didn't know anyone, wasn't aware of what was going on around him, and definitely didn't truly feel comfortable with Evan and Reuben hanging out. Knowing how upset Evan's girlfriend was with Calista, it just made no sense as to why Reuben would even want to "rekindle" any sort of friendship with Evan.
When Reuben caught eye of Cordelia, a smile grew upon his face. He began to wave at the snake raevan, trying to get her attention. "Cordelia!" he called, walking up to her, his smile wide. "Hey! It's nice to see you again! I don't know if you remember me, I'm Reuben, from the Mystic Herb, you and your grandfather came to see me asking about any form of information about Ebony. Where is Adrian? I'd love to speak to him if poss-" then, it dawned on him. Ryder was just behind him, and he hadn't introduced anyone yet. "Oh, I'm so sorry, this is Evan, and this is Ryder, my charge. I know you're terribly busy, but congratulations on opening this new cafe! It's so exciting!"
Evan simply smiled and gave a slight wave when introduced, and Ryder gave a nod, but was still clearly uncomfortable being in such a crowded situation.
Reuben nodded, trying to keep an eye out for anyone he might know, especially looking forward to seeing Delia and Adrian.
Ryder just felt uncomfortable. He didn't know anyone, wasn't aware of what was going on around him, and definitely didn't truly feel comfortable with Evan and Reuben hanging out. Knowing how upset Evan's girlfriend was with Calista, it just made no sense as to why Reuben would even want to "rekindle" any sort of friendship with Evan.
When Reuben caught eye of Cordelia, a smile grew upon his face. He began to wave at the snake raevan, trying to get her attention. "Cordelia!" he called, walking up to her, his smile wide. "Hey! It's nice to see you again! I don't know if you remember me, I'm Reuben, from the Mystic Herb, you and your grandfather came to see me asking about any form of information about Ebony. Where is Adrian? I'd love to speak to him if poss-" then, it dawned on him. Ryder was just behind him, and he hadn't introduced anyone yet. "Oh, I'm so sorry, this is Evan, and this is Ryder, my charge. I know you're terribly busy, but congratulations on opening this new cafe! It's so exciting!"
Evan simply smiled and gave a slight wave when introduced, and Ryder gave a nod, but was still clearly uncomfortable being in such a crowded situation.
Cordelia was just finishing greeting a couple when she heard her name being called out. Turning towards the voice, she saw a mess of blonde hair waving madly at her as he towed two others along with, another human male with wildly styled hair and an out of place Raevan she'd never seen before. Seriously, he seemed so uncomfortable that Delia couldn't help but already feel bad for the Frei. And she didn't even know what for!
With an awkward smile and a slight bow (after all she was working right?), "Yes, I remember. It's good to see you again Mr. Rothmore, thank you and welcome everyone to the Silver Fox." Straightening, Delia gestured towards the back, "My grandfather is currently manning the bar while I have floor duty, but if you would like, I can take you to him?" She really hoped they would take her up on the offer. Cordelia wanted to know more about the new Raevan she was just meeting.
With an awkward smile and a slight bow (after all she was working right?), "Yes, I remember. It's good to see you again Mr. Rothmore, thank you and welcome everyone to the Silver Fox." Straightening, Delia gestured towards the back, "My grandfather is currently manning the bar while I have floor duty, but if you would like, I can take you to him?" She really hoped they would take her up on the offer. Cordelia wanted to know more about the new Raevan she was just meeting.
Reuben was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming Cordelia had been with them just now. His initial impression of this girl was quite the opposite. It had been what, eight or so months since the day they met, and she seemed to be quite different; very approachable and professional. Something must have changed, at least in Reuben's eyes. "I'd love for you to take us to him. This place is a lot bigger than I anticipated it to be. Congratulations on the grand opening by the way! This place looks amazing!"
Evan nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it looks awesome in here. So chill," he spoke with a bright smile, looking about the room. Oh how he envied this place, especially in comparison to his current job in Stockton. This was a high quality place, not a slum like he had worked in for the past five years. He couldn't even imagine working in a place this nice.
Ryder floated behind silently still. Meeting Cordelia was the highlight of this drab trip. Though, he didn't even know what was going to come of that, since this place seemed so overwhelming. Oh how he wished he could just teleport home, or at least summon Alice. But his magic wouldn't work and hadn't been working properly for a while now. He just felt so helpless, and that feeling didn't leave when he went out to 'party' like his guardian wanted.
Evan nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it looks awesome in here. So chill," he spoke with a bright smile, looking about the room. Oh how he envied this place, especially in comparison to his current job in Stockton. This was a high quality place, not a slum like he had worked in for the past five years. He couldn't even imagine working in a place this nice.
Ryder floated behind silently still. Meeting Cordelia was the highlight of this drab trip. Though, he didn't even know what was going to come of that, since this place seemed so overwhelming. Oh how he wished he could just teleport home, or at least summon Alice. But his magic wouldn't work and hadn't been working properly for a while now. He just felt so helpless, and that feeling didn't leave when he went out to 'party' like his guardian wanted.
As Cordelia carefully lead them towards the back of the building where the bar stood, the smoke Frei couldn't help a smug smile at all the compliments. "We took a painstakingly long time designing and hand picking all the materials to renovate this building. So I'm glad to hear you approve. Left to his own devices, I assure you, my grandfather wouldn't have come up with as amazing a design."
"I heard that." Adrian replied as he came from around the bar and rubbed his hand hard into her hair, making sure to give it a good messy makeover. Whining, Delia snaked her way out from under his assault and positioned herself next to Ryder instead. As she fixed her hair, Adrian continued with a laugh. "Mr. Rothmore, it's good to see you again. Welcome all to our establishment." Finally taking note of the other Raevan, "Oh, is that your charge?"
Having fixed her hair, Cordelia nudged Ryder lightly. "Wanna see something cool?"
"I heard that." Adrian replied as he came from around the bar and rubbed his hand hard into her hair, making sure to give it a good messy makeover. Whining, Delia snaked her way out from under his assault and positioned herself next to Ryder instead. As she fixed her hair, Adrian continued with a laugh. "Mr. Rothmore, it's good to see you again. Welcome all to our establishment." Finally taking note of the other Raevan, "Oh, is that your charge?"
Having fixed her hair, Cordelia nudged Ryder lightly. "Wanna see something cool?"
Reuben chuckled as the man ruffled his granddaughters hair. "Well, all the hard work truly shows," he began with a smile, listening to the man speak. "Oh, please call me Reuben. But yes, this is Ryder. And this is Evan, I hope it's alright that I invited him once I received the invitation?"
Evan waved and held out a hand, "Nice to meet you, sir! Quite the fine establishment you have here! I am really digging the look of this place. Also looks like you have your hands full here. Already quite busy. The buzz was perfect. I heard about the bar all the way in Stockton," Evan stated with a small chuckle as he placed his hands in his pockets.
Ryder just nodded and gave a half-assed smirk as he was introduced to yet another stranger. At least Reuben seemed to know these people, even if he was as lost as a stray puppy on the streets. When Cordelia nudged him quickly, he instantly pulled back; but when she spoke, he smiled as his eyes grew larger, "Yes please," the desperation in his soft voice ever apparent. He felt comfortable enough to leave Reuben's side if it was with Cordelia, a fellow raevan, at least Reuben couldn't say no.
Evan waved and held out a hand, "Nice to meet you, sir! Quite the fine establishment you have here! I am really digging the look of this place. Also looks like you have your hands full here. Already quite busy. The buzz was perfect. I heard about the bar all the way in Stockton," Evan stated with a small chuckle as he placed his hands in his pockets.
Ryder just nodded and gave a half-assed smirk as he was introduced to yet another stranger. At least Reuben seemed to know these people, even if he was as lost as a stray puppy on the streets. When Cordelia nudged him quickly, he instantly pulled back; but when she spoke, he smiled as his eyes grew larger, "Yes please," the desperation in his soft voice ever apparent. He felt comfortable enough to leave Reuben's side if it was with Cordelia, a fellow raevan, at least Reuben couldn't say no.
"By all means, the more the merrier." Adrian replied as he graciously took Evan's outstretched hand in a hardy handshake. "Oh Stockton huh? Well I guess we have Cordelia to thank for that. She's been doing lots of advertising on social media. I have to admit, she's a lot better at it than I am."
Cordelia smiled and motioned for Ryder to follow. "This way." It was then that Adrian gave the smoky girl a meaningful look, of which she gave her own as she motioned upwards. She understood that they were working, but a couple minutes wouldn't hurt.
Her grandfather merely sighed and shook his head before placing his attention back on Reuben and Evan. "Unfortunately it's still a couple hours away from me serving alcohol, but we have many other drinks if you're interested." He pressed a leaf on the interactive bar and it pulled up the Fox's menu for the two to see.
There was a set of stairs near the bar of which Delia lead Ryder up. Once they were at the top, the snake quickly darted over to one of the many windows. She waved at the mushroom Frei to join her. "Would you just look at that view." She sighed dreamily as they looked upon the Isle as the slowly setting sun shimmered golden across the ocean. "Makes me want to write a song about it."
Cordelia smiled and motioned for Ryder to follow. "This way." It was then that Adrian gave the smoky girl a meaningful look, of which she gave her own as she motioned upwards. She understood that they were working, but a couple minutes wouldn't hurt.
Her grandfather merely sighed and shook his head before placing his attention back on Reuben and Evan. "Unfortunately it's still a couple hours away from me serving alcohol, but we have many other drinks if you're interested." He pressed a leaf on the interactive bar and it pulled up the Fox's menu for the two to see.
There was a set of stairs near the bar of which Delia lead Ryder up. Once they were at the top, the snake quickly darted over to one of the many windows. She waved at the mushroom Frei to join her. "Would you just look at that view." She sighed dreamily as they looked upon the Isle as the slowly setting sun shimmered golden across the ocean. "Makes me want to write a song about it."
Evan shook the man's hand, making the mental note that Cordelia would be to thank for that sort of outreach. "Well, let me just say, even from what little I've seen so far, this place definitely lives up to the hype," Evan stated, looking around quickly.
Both Reuben and Evan were enamored with the tech of this place. Everything seemed so futuristic in comparison to the grungy bar that Evan worked at and Reuben's holistic shop was nothing in comparison. "That's totally fine with me. I love tea, if you have something fruity."
Evan piped in shortly after, "Oh, yeah, a cream soda would be great. I'm not a drinker myself, honestly. I've been a bartender in Stockton for the past four or so years. I got over it very quickly when I started bartending."
Meanwhile, when Cordelia asked Ryder to follow, he slunk away quickly, eager to follow the fellow frei.
As the toadstool floated up the stairs and over to the window, the sight she spoke of was truly magical. He couldn't believe that this was a real place. Not even his imagination could bring him here. He took in the sights, the glistening, sunkissed water of the ocean, the isle was definitely beautiful.
"Wow..." the word escaped his lips and nothing but silence followed. That was, until Cordelia spoke.
"You write songs?" he questioned her, curiously, looking at her before following her eyes back to the scene in front of them. It truly was beautiful.
Both Reuben and Evan were enamored with the tech of this place. Everything seemed so futuristic in comparison to the grungy bar that Evan worked at and Reuben's holistic shop was nothing in comparison. "That's totally fine with me. I love tea, if you have something fruity."
Evan piped in shortly after, "Oh, yeah, a cream soda would be great. I'm not a drinker myself, honestly. I've been a bartender in Stockton for the past four or so years. I got over it very quickly when I started bartending."
Meanwhile, when Cordelia asked Ryder to follow, he slunk away quickly, eager to follow the fellow frei.
As the toadstool floated up the stairs and over to the window, the sight she spoke of was truly magical. He couldn't believe that this was a real place. Not even his imagination could bring him here. He took in the sights, the glistening, sunkissed water of the ocean, the isle was definitely beautiful.
"Wow..." the word escaped his lips and nothing but silence followed. That was, until Cordelia spoke.
"You write songs?" he questioned her, curiously, looking at her before following her eyes back to the scene in front of them. It truly was beautiful.
"Of course of course! Please have a seat, make yourselves comfortable." Quickly unbuttoning his sleeves and rolling them up, Adrian set to work. The Brit might have been a little weathered by age, but he was surprisingly fast and nimble behind the bar. It wasn't long before their drinks were being settled almost expertly in front of them. One cream soda and an iced mango black tea.
Facing Evan with a bit of a slyness in his sapphire eyes, Adrian asked,"You mentioned you were a bartender yes? Wouldn't happen to be job hunting? As you've probably noticed, we're a bit short staffed at the moment." As it were, Nigel would pop in then next to him and report two tables orders before disappearing once more. Had it been his imagination or did the AI have a bit of a dirty look then? Nah, couldn't be.
Cordelia chuckled. "I dabble. Mainly compositions on the violin. I'm no good with lyrics. Maybe cause I can't sing." The snake laughed again. "How about you Ryder? What are your hobbies?"
Facing Evan with a bit of a slyness in his sapphire eyes, Adrian asked,"You mentioned you were a bartender yes? Wouldn't happen to be job hunting? As you've probably noticed, we're a bit short staffed at the moment." As it were, Nigel would pop in then next to him and report two tables orders before disappearing once more. Had it been his imagination or did the AI have a bit of a dirty look then? Nah, couldn't be.
Cordelia chuckled. "I dabble. Mainly compositions on the violin. I'm no good with lyrics. Maybe cause I can't sing." The snake laughed again. "How about you Ryder? What are your hobbies?"
The two men sat at the bar and smiled, waiting for the cream soda and tea to arrive. In exquisite fashion, the old man set the drinks down and the two younger men were quite impressed. "Wow, Adrian, this tea is amazing, thank you!" the tarotist proclaimed. The cream soda was equally so, and Evan smiled as he sipped.
But then the question arose. Both Reuben and Evan's eyes widened at the thought. Evan could potentially work in an environment like this? With an AI system so clean and precise? That would be a dream. "I...I would actually really love to apply. Do you guys have applications here or online? I'll fill one out right now!"
Reuben glanced over at Evan with furrowed brows. Why was he so quick to jump on a chance to work here? And without even a second thought. What about the bar he'd been working at for years? Not even thinking he'd be missed, or? Reuben prodded Evan under the table and whispered quietly, "What about your job? You live in Stockton, this would be so far away from your home. Are you...sure?"
Evan looked at his friend and smiled. "Reu, I've been wanting to get out of that hole for years now. Tips haven't been great and the regulars are always unruly and don't listen to me anymore. Plus, with all the troubles that have been happening at home, this could be the best thing to ever happen to me,"
Reuben took a deep breath. This man spending so much time with another raevan family wasn't his...favorite idea if he were being honest with himself. But he took another sip of his tea and left it alone. It wasn't his decision, and if Evan felt the need to work alongside Adrian to better enhance his life, so be it.
Meanwhile, upstairs, Ryder continued to take in the sight while Cordelia explained her use of the violin. An instrument? One thing Ryder wasn't super aware of was music. Sure he had listened to some now and again on his phone, or when he and Reuben were in the car (if he wasn't listening to NPR). "I-I'm sure you're a fine singer," he began, blushing when he was asked about his hobbies. He hadn't ever really been questioned like that before. What were his hobbies? The frei took a moment to think about the answer to her question. "I...like to practice magic in my free time. Oh! And reading books. I do love to read books."
But then the question arose. Both Reuben and Evan's eyes widened at the thought. Evan could potentially work in an environment like this? With an AI system so clean and precise? That would be a dream. "I...I would actually really love to apply. Do you guys have applications here or online? I'll fill one out right now!"
Reuben glanced over at Evan with furrowed brows. Why was he so quick to jump on a chance to work here? And without even a second thought. What about the bar he'd been working at for years? Not even thinking he'd be missed, or? Reuben prodded Evan under the table and whispered quietly, "What about your job? You live in Stockton, this would be so far away from your home. Are you...sure?"
Evan looked at his friend and smiled. "Reu, I've been wanting to get out of that hole for years now. Tips haven't been great and the regulars are always unruly and don't listen to me anymore. Plus, with all the troubles that have been happening at home, this could be the best thing to ever happen to me,"
Reuben took a deep breath. This man spending so much time with another raevan family wasn't his...favorite idea if he were being honest with himself. But he took another sip of his tea and left it alone. It wasn't his decision, and if Evan felt the need to work alongside Adrian to better enhance his life, so be it.
Meanwhile, upstairs, Ryder continued to take in the sight while Cordelia explained her use of the violin. An instrument? One thing Ryder wasn't super aware of was music. Sure he had listened to some now and again on his phone, or when he and Reuben were in the car (if he wasn't listening to NPR). "I-I'm sure you're a fine singer," he began, blushing when he was asked about his hobbies. He hadn't ever really been questioned like that before. What were his hobbies? The frei took a moment to think about the answer to her question. "I...like to practice magic in my free time. Oh! And reading books. I do love to read books."
Adrian was quite pleased to see the young man's enthusiasm towards wanting to work at the cafe, though it seemed not to bode well with Reuben. The Brit was curious as to why, but thought it best not to ask. Somethings just weren't other people's business to know. "There's not really a need for you having to fill out an application. Since you're here already, we can do a little background check and interview right away. Nigel?"
Without hesitation, the AI appeared once again next to Adrian and began reciting information as if he were reading it from a screen in front of him. A screen unseeable to anyone, but Nigel. "Evan Reed, age twenty-seven. Originally from Riverbank, yet currently works and resides in Stockton. Aside from some minor charges of theft and possession of illegal substances, his record is clean." Adjusting his glasses, "Will that be all?"
"Actually, could you also notify Cordelia to come down? I'm about finished with these two orders."
"Of course." And with that, the blonde being was gone just as quick as he'd appeared.
"See? Quick and easy." Adrian proclaimed with a smile as he wiped his hands on a nearby towel. "Shall we begin the interview then?"
Cordelia grimaced and flatly said, "No, I'm not. It's like a person with a terrible head cold trying to sing. Very unpleasant." Though she'd just insulted herself, the Basilisk was still pretty happy looking as she listened to Ryder. "Mmm...magic like, the fake kind that humans do sometimes? Or like magic magic? The kind we can do?"
Suddenly, Nigel appeared next to them. "Miss Cordelia, you are needed downstairs."
"Fine..." The girl sighed and rolled her eyes at the AI as he disappeared. "Sorry Ryder, work calls. You can stay here if you want though. It shouldn't take me long to run some food, I'll be back soon."
Without hesitation, the AI appeared once again next to Adrian and began reciting information as if he were reading it from a screen in front of him. A screen unseeable to anyone, but Nigel. "Evan Reed, age twenty-seven. Originally from Riverbank, yet currently works and resides in Stockton. Aside from some minor charges of theft and possession of illegal substances, his record is clean." Adjusting his glasses, "Will that be all?"
"Actually, could you also notify Cordelia to come down? I'm about finished with these two orders."
"Of course." And with that, the blonde being was gone just as quick as he'd appeared.
"See? Quick and easy." Adrian proclaimed with a smile as he wiped his hands on a nearby towel. "Shall we begin the interview then?"
Cordelia grimaced and flatly said, "No, I'm not. It's like a person with a terrible head cold trying to sing. Very unpleasant." Though she'd just insulted herself, the Basilisk was still pretty happy looking as she listened to Ryder. "Mmm...magic like, the fake kind that humans do sometimes? Or like magic magic? The kind we can do?"
Suddenly, Nigel appeared next to them. "Miss Cordelia, you are needed downstairs."
"Fine..." The girl sighed and rolled her eyes at the AI as he disappeared. "Sorry Ryder, work calls. You can stay here if you want though. It shouldn't take me long to run some food, I'll be back soon."
As the AI popped up, explained the goings on in Evan’s background, and popped away to get Cordelia, everything happened so fast. Reuben’s jaw dropped at the thought of Evan’s criminal past. It was clear as day on the bartender’s face that he was slightly embarrassed at the announcement of said past.
Evan stood a moment and said, “S-sure. I know that you’re super busy, but can we talk more privately for the interview?”
Reuben’s brows furrowed. Why didn’t he want to talk in front of him? Now he had so many questions. Was he hiding more? Or did he just want to explain his past? Either way, Reuben stood as well. “It’s fine. I’ll just go check out the rest of the place. Good luck on the interview,” he said with obvious attitude.
Evan glanced at Reuben as he began to walk away and rolled his eyes. His friend sure was a dramatic sort. “Okay,” he began by sitting back down. “I just want you to know that those charges are in my past and they’ve been haunting me ever since they occurred. But I don’t like to talk about it much.”
Meanwhile, Ryder chuckled at Cordelia’s explanation of her singing. It was a fascinating visual to say the least. Upon her question, he nodded. “Our type of magic,” the frei began. “I have been having a rough time lately with magic, but typically I can actually make imaginings visible. Reuben has this crystal ball at home and I can show my imaginings in it like a movie. I can also grow mushrooms. But...like I said, my magic hasn’t been working all that well lately.”
When Nigel appeared to tell Cordelia of the readied orders, Ryder nodded. He definitely wanted to stay up here away from the larger crowd that was no doubt building downstairs. “Take your time,” he said as she rushed off. After all, he enjoyed the alone time with the setting sun. It was a beautiful sight to see.
Evan stood a moment and said, “S-sure. I know that you’re super busy, but can we talk more privately for the interview?”
Reuben’s brows furrowed. Why didn’t he want to talk in front of him? Now he had so many questions. Was he hiding more? Or did he just want to explain his past? Either way, Reuben stood as well. “It’s fine. I’ll just go check out the rest of the place. Good luck on the interview,” he said with obvious attitude.
Evan glanced at Reuben as he began to walk away and rolled his eyes. His friend sure was a dramatic sort. “Okay,” he began by sitting back down. “I just want you to know that those charges are in my past and they’ve been haunting me ever since they occurred. But I don’t like to talk about it much.”
Meanwhile, Ryder chuckled at Cordelia’s explanation of her singing. It was a fascinating visual to say the least. Upon her question, he nodded. “Our type of magic,” the frei began. “I have been having a rough time lately with magic, but typically I can actually make imaginings visible. Reuben has this crystal ball at home and I can show my imaginings in it like a movie. I can also grow mushrooms. But...like I said, my magic hasn’t been working all that well lately.”
When Nigel appeared to tell Cordelia of the readied orders, Ryder nodded. He definitely wanted to stay up here away from the larger crowd that was no doubt building downstairs. “Take your time,” he said as she rushed off. After all, he enjoyed the alone time with the setting sun. It was a beautiful sight to see.
The elder man watched as Reuben got up and left in quite a huff. Perhaps it would have been wiser for him to have had Nigel provide him that information a little less publicly than he had. Adrian sighed in obvious remorse for his actions as it wasn't the first time he'd gotten himself into trouble by being a bit of a show off.
"I must apologize Mister Reed. I seemed to have caused you and Mister Rothmore some unintended grief. Though you should know that a past like yours is not one to sneeze at honestly. I can assure you that I have done far worse in my own youth." And just like Evan, Adrian was not one to go reminiscing about such things out loud. Instead he decided it was probably best to move on with interviewing before things could get any messier. "Now then, aside from bartending, are there any other skills you possess that you believe would be beneficial to this establishment?"
The snake seemed thoughtful at what Ryder said as she hurried downstairs. His powers seemed rather interesting and she definitely wanted to know more. And of course if he was having some sort of problem with them, Cordelia definitely wanted to help if she could.
It wasn't long after the smoke Frei had left that a strange girl appeared. Her hair was held back in two long twin tails, their shade the same blonde color as that of Nigel. In fact, one of her eyes color matched the ice blue of the AI while the other was a vibrant pink. She circled about Ryder then, curiously taking him in before flashing him the biggest grin. "You're the only other Raevan I've seen in person aside from Delia. I just can't get over how completely different you two look from one another. But like I mean obviously you're the same race what with the wings and the ribbon and the no legs thing." The girl twirled around with a giggle. "It's all just sooo fascinating! I can't wait to meet more of you guys!"
"I must apologize Mister Reed. I seemed to have caused you and Mister Rothmore some unintended grief. Though you should know that a past like yours is not one to sneeze at honestly. I can assure you that I have done far worse in my own youth." And just like Evan, Adrian was not one to go reminiscing about such things out loud. Instead he decided it was probably best to move on with interviewing before things could get any messier. "Now then, aside from bartending, are there any other skills you possess that you believe would be beneficial to this establishment?"
The snake seemed thoughtful at what Ryder said as she hurried downstairs. His powers seemed rather interesting and she definitely wanted to know more. And of course if he was having some sort of problem with them, Cordelia definitely wanted to help if she could.
It wasn't long after the smoke Frei had left that a strange girl appeared. Her hair was held back in two long twin tails, their shade the same blonde color as that of Nigel. In fact, one of her eyes color matched the ice blue of the AI while the other was a vibrant pink. She circled about Ryder then, curiously taking him in before flashing him the biggest grin. "You're the only other Raevan I've seen in person aside from Delia. I just can't get over how completely different you two look from one another. But like I mean obviously you're the same race what with the wings and the ribbon and the no legs thing." The girl twirled around with a giggle. "It's all just sooo fascinating! I can't wait to meet more of you guys!"
Evan nodded as the older man apologized. “It’s alright. It was bound to come up sooner or later,” he began with a sigh. It was somewhat relieving in a strange way to have that out in the open. It was also relieving to hear the older gentleman speak so lightly of his past considering other potential employers have completely dismissed him because of it. “Well, thank you for that reassurance. Not a lot of employers are like that.”
Taking a moment to think about the question he was asked, “I am very outgoing, and with my experience as a bartender, I’ve been able to converse with many different people from around the globe. Plus, I make a mean bouncer when I have to,” he stated with a chuckle. “What do you guys look for in an applicant?” He questioned curiously.
Meanwhile, Reuben kept an eye over at the bar where Evan was, as the two men talked, the only thing going through Reuben’s head was all the possibilities of what those charges could have been for. Theft and illegal substances? It wasn’t the tarotist’s place to judge, but at the same time, he was curious as to why Evan had never confided such information to him. He wanted to ask to confirm those findings, but was Evan really who he said he was? It was just a confusing mess in Reuben’s mind at that moment.
Ryder stared out the window at the scene in front of him. Suddenly, another girl appeared from what seemed to be thin air. Startled, the frei listened to her speak. So, who was she? A special magical girl or something? He was quite unsure. “H-hello…” he began, watching her spin around him. As she spoke, he glanced into the bright eyes of the AI. They were beautiful. “Yes, I am a raevan frei,” he stated quickly. “There are many of us actually,” he said. “And...Umm...you are?” He questioned.
Taking a moment to think about the question he was asked, “I am very outgoing, and with my experience as a bartender, I’ve been able to converse with many different people from around the globe. Plus, I make a mean bouncer when I have to,” he stated with a chuckle. “What do you guys look for in an applicant?” He questioned curiously.
Meanwhile, Reuben kept an eye over at the bar where Evan was, as the two men talked, the only thing going through Reuben’s head was all the possibilities of what those charges could have been for. Theft and illegal substances? It wasn’t the tarotist’s place to judge, but at the same time, he was curious as to why Evan had never confided such information to him. He wanted to ask to confirm those findings, but was Evan really who he said he was? It was just a confusing mess in Reuben’s mind at that moment.
Ryder stared out the window at the scene in front of him. Suddenly, another girl appeared from what seemed to be thin air. Startled, the frei listened to her speak. So, who was she? A special magical girl or something? He was quite unsure. “H-hello…” he began, watching her spin around him. As she spoke, he glanced into the bright eyes of the AI. They were beautiful. “Yes, I am a raevan frei,” he stated quickly. “There are many of us actually,” he said. “And...Umm...you are?” He questioned.
Adrian gave a small laugh as he handed off the two orders to Cordelia as she flitted by, "You'll find I'm not like a lot of people, especially ones my own age." That of course had a lot to do with said past. After a life time of being a thief and spy, one would definitely have a pretty unique, if not skewed, way of seeing the world.
The Brit gave careful thought about what Evan had said and instead of answering his question, gave one of his own. "Do you enjoy technology? Obviously it plays a big role here. Now I don't expect you to know how to build or repair customers computers or anything as involved as that, but I would like someone who was at least interested in learning a couple things just to be able to help troubleshoot some common issues here and there. Think you'd be up for that?"
Back upstairs, the blonde girl gave an amused chuckle at her new Raevan friend. "It's nice to meet you! I'm Glitch! One of the Fox's AIs." She gave a huffy pout, "I'm sure you've met my stuffy brother Nigie already."
Speak of the devil and he will appear. "It's Nigel and we are not siblings. Miss Shade simply thought it would be, quote, totes adorable if we matched, end quote." Adjusting his glasses, he gave the other AI a most scrutinizing look. "Why are you out of rest mode? Perhaps I should ask how, but no matter. Back you go." Nigel pointed towards Glitch before swiping his hand sideways as if to move an app out of sight on an ipad.
Glitch, true to her name and nature, looked to "glitch" before popping onto the other side of Ryder. Hiding behind him as if he could protect her, the female program stuck her tongue out at the other, "Gah, you're always so mean Nigie! I'm not doing anything wrong!"
It was painfully obvious Nigel was annoyed and was about to say something when Cordelia rushed back up the stairs then. "Hey sorry about that Ry-Glitch?! How did you bypass my coding this time?!" She looked between everyone as if they'd have the answer. Of course no one did except the AI in question, but she didn't look in the mood to give answers then.
Bowing, Nigel decided he wasn't needed and took his leave. This only made Cordelia groan and roll her eyes. What was the point of having him be the parent program to hers if he couldn't even control her? The older Frei merely sighed in defeat, "I certainly hope she hasn't been bothering you too much Ryder." Glitch simply stuck her tongue out at Cordelia of which only promoted Delia to do the same. How mature.
The Brit gave careful thought about what Evan had said and instead of answering his question, gave one of his own. "Do you enjoy technology? Obviously it plays a big role here. Now I don't expect you to know how to build or repair customers computers or anything as involved as that, but I would like someone who was at least interested in learning a couple things just to be able to help troubleshoot some common issues here and there. Think you'd be up for that?"
Back upstairs, the blonde girl gave an amused chuckle at her new Raevan friend. "It's nice to meet you! I'm Glitch! One of the Fox's AIs." She gave a huffy pout, "I'm sure you've met my stuffy brother Nigie already."
Speak of the devil and he will appear. "It's Nigel and we are not siblings. Miss Shade simply thought it would be, quote, totes adorable if we matched, end quote." Adjusting his glasses, he gave the other AI a most scrutinizing look. "Why are you out of rest mode? Perhaps I should ask how, but no matter. Back you go." Nigel pointed towards Glitch before swiping his hand sideways as if to move an app out of sight on an ipad.
Glitch, true to her name and nature, looked to "glitch" before popping onto the other side of Ryder. Hiding behind him as if he could protect her, the female program stuck her tongue out at the other, "Gah, you're always so mean Nigie! I'm not doing anything wrong!"
It was painfully obvious Nigel was annoyed and was about to say something when Cordelia rushed back up the stairs then. "Hey sorry about that Ry-Glitch?! How did you bypass my coding this time?!" She looked between everyone as if they'd have the answer. Of course no one did except the AI in question, but she didn't look in the mood to give answers then.
Bowing, Nigel decided he wasn't needed and took his leave. This only made Cordelia groan and roll her eyes. What was the point of having him be the parent program to hers if he couldn't even control her? The older Frei merely sighed in defeat, "I certainly hope she hasn't been bothering you too much Ryder." Glitch simply stuck her tongue out at Cordelia of which only promoted Delia to do the same. How mature.
As the snake frei buzzed down, grabbing the orders, Evan turned his attention to her a split second, a smile on his face. It wasn't until the elderly man spoke that his attention lifted off the girl and back onto his potential employer. "That's a positive aspect, I do think," he said, watching the Brit's face as he mused a moment. When addressed about technology, the man chuckled. "I'm always down to learn a new thing or two. And technology isn't necessarily my forte, but I am a quick learner and am very interested in helping where I can. Maybe in a few months I'll be writing code with the best of 'em, hah!" he stated with a chuckle. This interview was going far better than expected, or so he thought.
Ryder, still astonished from this girl's sudden appearance, gave a quirky smile. She was like an anime girl, very over the top and overly cutesy, especially the way she spoke. He couldn't even speak before the other AI tuned in and tried to put her back into rest mode. The interaction between the two was almost comical, it was certainly entertaining to the toadstool.
As Cordelia re-entered the room and confronted the AI, Ryder just shook his head. "No, she wasn't bothering me at all. She...simply introduced herself, is all. So...they're...not real? They're like...my imaginings," he stated, trying to find some correlation between Cordelia's ability to write code and his own magical prowess.
Ryder, still astonished from this girl's sudden appearance, gave a quirky smile. She was like an anime girl, very over the top and overly cutesy, especially the way she spoke. He couldn't even speak before the other AI tuned in and tried to put her back into rest mode. The interaction between the two was almost comical, it was certainly entertaining to the toadstool.
As Cordelia re-entered the room and confronted the AI, Ryder just shook his head. "No, she wasn't bothering me at all. She...simply introduced herself, is all. So...they're...not real? They're like...my imaginings," he stated, trying to find some correlation between Cordelia's ability to write code and his own magical prowess.
Receiving an order digitally from a couple further down the bar from where they were, Adrian was quick to swipe the message away while giving them a kind nod of acknowledgement and greeting. Technology, it certainly was a godsend. Especially since it was allowing him to multitask with such ease as he conversed with Evan. He chuckled some as he set to work on the drinks, "I hadn't thought as far as coding, but we could definitely explore that possibility." Adrian saw no problems with teaching when the other party was perfectly willing to learn. "So I believe really all that's left to ask is, when can you start? Of course, you probably have some questions of your own, so please do ask away."
"Well...they're real in the sense that they exist, but as far as for physicality..." Cordelia waved an arm through Glitch which did nothing to hurt the girl, but did garner a complaint from the blonde who looked as if she'd just been violated. The snake laughed before continuing, "Completely digital. The lounge is engulfed in a state of the art hologram grid system which allows the AIs to show up virtually anywhere within the building. So, yeah, I guess they are sort of like your imaginings? I mean I haven't seen how your ability works exactly yet, but from what you said it could be very similar."
Leaning on the nearby railing, Cordelia faced Ryder. "Speaking of, you mentioned about your magic not working or something earlier? What did you mean by that?"
Gasping, "O-M-G! Ry-Ry's not feeling well?!" Glitch flocked to the mushroom Frei and looked him over extensively as if she could pin point his exact troubles. Obviously she couldn't since the DJ hadn't been made for anything complex such as medical diagnosis. All Delia could do was face palm at her creation. She was seriously considering reworking the AI from scratch now that she saw how it was while interacting with others outside the family. "Mmm...you don't really look sick..."
"Well...they're real in the sense that they exist, but as far as for physicality..." Cordelia waved an arm through Glitch which did nothing to hurt the girl, but did garner a complaint from the blonde who looked as if she'd just been violated. The snake laughed before continuing, "Completely digital. The lounge is engulfed in a state of the art hologram grid system which allows the AIs to show up virtually anywhere within the building. So, yeah, I guess they are sort of like your imaginings? I mean I haven't seen how your ability works exactly yet, but from what you said it could be very similar."
Leaning on the nearby railing, Cordelia faced Ryder. "Speaking of, you mentioned about your magic not working or something earlier? What did you mean by that?"
Gasping, "O-M-G! Ry-Ry's not feeling well?!" Glitch flocked to the mushroom Frei and looked him over extensively as if she could pin point his exact troubles. Obviously she couldn't since the DJ hadn't been made for anything complex such as medical diagnosis. All Delia could do was face palm at her creation. She was seriously considering reworking the AI from scratch now that she saw how it was while interacting with others outside the family. "Mmm...you don't really look sick..."
Evan sat back in his chair and watched as Adrian swiped the message away and acknowledged the new guests. The displays of technology this establishment possessed, they were fascinating. It was a completely different scene from his current workplace. There, they'd take orders on a pad and paper, or have to somehow hear multiple orders yelled at him from across the bar and just remember it. It did help that he knew many of the regulars and what they ordered, but it was also a wonder that he lasted as long as he did.
"Well, anything to keep my mind young," Evan chuckled. But when Adrian asked about his start date, his eyes widened and he leaned forward onto the bar in shock. Was he really just given a job in an instant? This man was very trusting, or he had a good eye for good people. Either way, Evan's face lit up. "Right now?" he laughed. "But really, anytime you need me, hit me up. If this is for real, I'll begin my search for a new apartment. Commuting is a bit of a trek, so that'll be the first thing on my to do list."
Now the bartender had so much to think about. He was stunned that he was offered a job so quickly. His smile broadened. "As far as questions go," he began, pausing a moment before continuing. "I believe my only question is...what is the uniform like? The bar I currently work at is grungy, so they're happy as long as you show up," he looked off to see if he could find Reuben anywhere, but only saw more guests arriving as the sun was slowly setting in the distance. "But this place is magnificent and I'm sure there's some level of elegance or class you wish your employees to possess and maintain?"
Ryder knew all too well about this 'real' yet not physically touchable state. It seemed as though his own powers were exactly the same. Although he was able to touch his imaginings as if they were real, nobody else could. Many times had Reuben tried to wave his hand through Alice to shoo her away. Though his imaginings didn't react as Glitch did. Was she truly pained? He hoped not.
Ryder wondered if he'd be able to produce anything so she could see his his powers. Lately, however, his powers seemed to be malfunctioning much like Glitch appeared to be in the eyes of Cordelia and Nigel.
As Glitch expressed her distress and floated around the toadstool, Ryder laughed. "I'm not physically ill," he said, a smile on his face. "Yet your care for my well being is appreciated."
He looked out the window a moment just as the sun was passing under the horizon, a last minute beautiful scene to behold. "Let me see if I can show you what I mean," he said. His demeanor seemed to be much more relaxed now. Being away from all the guests downstairs and being able to take some much needed time away from Reuben was just so...relaxing.
The frei took off his mushroom cap and set it on the floor next to him. He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes. He tried to imagine his favorite set of horns atop his head. Over the course of a few seconds, they seemed to materialize out of thin air. Starting from the tip of the horn, spiraling back around to connect to his head. To him, horns made him feel more confident. Maybe it had to do with the horns the other raevan he had met had. They all seemed far more confident than he. Lazarus, Xiu, Cesc. They all had horns and seemed to be happy, fulfilled raevan. He wasn't, so maybe somewhere deep down, being able to project these sorts of characteristics on himself was therapeutic for the frei. Either way, it wasn't something he necessarily thought about, he just liked the way he felt as they protruded from his head.
When he opened his eyes and looked at his reflection in the window, they were there. His eyes widened and his mouth gaped with apparent happiness. He hadn't been able to produce much of anything lately. But these, these were a masterpiece in comparison to the shoddy job he did at attempting to show Cesc his abilities a month prior. Maybe things were getting better? But, as quickly as they came, they vanished. Ryder could feel them beginning to to fade. He threw his hands up to try and grab them, to potentially stop them from fading. But as he did, they burst into magical aether, rainbow pixelated sparkles began to fall and fade quickly even before reaching his shoulders. "Damn," he muttered under his breath.
"I'm sorry," he stated, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. "This is exactly what I am referring to," he explained, picking his hat back up and placing it once more, delicately, atop his head. "Honestly, that was probably the best display of my magic I have produced in a long while. But..." he paused, leaning against the rail and staring into the distance, darkness encroaching, the moon high in the sky. "...it always fades. At least recently. When I first learned of these powers, I was able to manifest them for long periods of time. Sure, they'd wear me out here or there, but I was able to make things last a much longer time. And Alice..." he said, turning back to face Cordelia and Glitch. "She was a lot like you, Glitch. I haven't seen her in over a month. I can't understand why she hasn't come to see me." The frei was obviously saddened by this. He had, many times, tried to imagine her, to bring her to life. She used to come and go as she pleased. But now, now she hadn't shown her face for such a long time, Ryder was beginning to feel as though he'd forgotten her face. What did she even look like anymore? It rattled him to think she'd never come back again. She was his best friend. He could only hope to see her again one day.
"Well, anything to keep my mind young," Evan chuckled. But when Adrian asked about his start date, his eyes widened and he leaned forward onto the bar in shock. Was he really just given a job in an instant? This man was very trusting, or he had a good eye for good people. Either way, Evan's face lit up. "Right now?" he laughed. "But really, anytime you need me, hit me up. If this is for real, I'll begin my search for a new apartment. Commuting is a bit of a trek, so that'll be the first thing on my to do list."
Now the bartender had so much to think about. He was stunned that he was offered a job so quickly. His smile broadened. "As far as questions go," he began, pausing a moment before continuing. "I believe my only question is...what is the uniform like? The bar I currently work at is grungy, so they're happy as long as you show up," he looked off to see if he could find Reuben anywhere, but only saw more guests arriving as the sun was slowly setting in the distance. "But this place is magnificent and I'm sure there's some level of elegance or class you wish your employees to possess and maintain?"
Ryder knew all too well about this 'real' yet not physically touchable state. It seemed as though his own powers were exactly the same. Although he was able to touch his imaginings as if they were real, nobody else could. Many times had Reuben tried to wave his hand through Alice to shoo her away. Though his imaginings didn't react as Glitch did. Was she truly pained? He hoped not.
Ryder wondered if he'd be able to produce anything so she could see his his powers. Lately, however, his powers seemed to be malfunctioning much like Glitch appeared to be in the eyes of Cordelia and Nigel.
As Glitch expressed her distress and floated around the toadstool, Ryder laughed. "I'm not physically ill," he said, a smile on his face. "Yet your care for my well being is appreciated."
He looked out the window a moment just as the sun was passing under the horizon, a last minute beautiful scene to behold. "Let me see if I can show you what I mean," he said. His demeanor seemed to be much more relaxed now. Being away from all the guests downstairs and being able to take some much needed time away from Reuben was just so...relaxing.
The frei took off his mushroom cap and set it on the floor next to him. He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes. He tried to imagine his favorite set of horns atop his head. Over the course of a few seconds, they seemed to materialize out of thin air. Starting from the tip of the horn, spiraling back around to connect to his head. To him, horns made him feel more confident. Maybe it had to do with the horns the other raevan he had met had. They all seemed far more confident than he. Lazarus, Xiu, Cesc. They all had horns and seemed to be happy, fulfilled raevan. He wasn't, so maybe somewhere deep down, being able to project these sorts of characteristics on himself was therapeutic for the frei. Either way, it wasn't something he necessarily thought about, he just liked the way he felt as they protruded from his head.
When he opened his eyes and looked at his reflection in the window, they were there. His eyes widened and his mouth gaped with apparent happiness. He hadn't been able to produce much of anything lately. But these, these were a masterpiece in comparison to the shoddy job he did at attempting to show Cesc his abilities a month prior. Maybe things were getting better? But, as quickly as they came, they vanished. Ryder could feel them beginning to to fade. He threw his hands up to try and grab them, to potentially stop them from fading. But as he did, they burst into magical aether, rainbow pixelated sparkles began to fall and fade quickly even before reaching his shoulders. "Damn," he muttered under his breath.
"I'm sorry," he stated, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. "This is exactly what I am referring to," he explained, picking his hat back up and placing it once more, delicately, atop his head. "Honestly, that was probably the best display of my magic I have produced in a long while. But..." he paused, leaning against the rail and staring into the distance, darkness encroaching, the moon high in the sky. "...it always fades. At least recently. When I first learned of these powers, I was able to manifest them for long periods of time. Sure, they'd wear me out here or there, but I was able to make things last a much longer time. And Alice..." he said, turning back to face Cordelia and Glitch. "She was a lot like you, Glitch. I haven't seen her in over a month. I can't understand why she hasn't come to see me." The frei was obviously saddened by this. He had, many times, tried to imagine her, to bring her to life. She used to come and go as she pleased. But now, now she hadn't shown her face for such a long time, Ryder was beginning to feel as though he'd forgotten her face. What did she even look like anymore? It rattled him to think she'd never come back again. She was his best friend. He could only hope to see her again one day.
With the sort of life experience Adrian possessed, he did like to think he was a pretty good judge of character by now and Evan didn't seem anything out of the ordinary. If anything, he would give the youth the benefit of a doubt. "This is completely real, but I suppose proper paper work will be necessary. If you leave me your contact information, I can email you everything in the next couple days. And as far as moving, please let me know when and where you'll be moving so I can cover your expenses."
The Brit took a short moment to wander down to the part of the bar where the couple was seated and handed them their drinks. Upon returning, "Ah, yes, thank you for reminding me. I'll also be needing your measurements so I can have your uniforms tailored as soon as possible." Gesturing to the his own clothing of a pristine white button up with black cuffs layered with a red necktie, a simple black vest, dark grey dress pants and black dress shoes, "All employees are required to wear this type of uniform while on duty, even Nigel is outfitted with it. I have only two exceptions at moment; Cordelia only wears the top half for obvious reasons and our DJ wears something a little more fitting for her role, but matches the rest of us all the same. I suppose if and when we acquire more female employees I'll offer a skirt option as well, but look at me just rambling on." The man gave a laugh at his boring Evan with his future plannings. "Oh and don't worry about the cost of the uniforms, I'll cover that as well. Though weekly cleaning and maintenance costs are on you, I will however gladly replace uniforms that have obviously run their course over time."
At hearing that the mushroom Frei wasn't really sick and that he appreciated her concern, Glitch couldn't help grinning from ear to ear with happiness. She wished she had a physical form so she could give him a huge hug right then, but that was unfortunately not possible. Well technically she could, but all she'd end up doing is going right through him and just embarrassing herself.
Both girls watched silently as Ryder took to displaying his magic. At first nothing was happening and both seemed to wonder if maybe this was what the Raevan had been talking about, but then suddenly the area around his head seemed to shimmer to life as a pair of curled horns magically appeared! Course as soon as they'd come, they were just as soon to vanish, yet it left quite the impression as the girls gave sounds of awe, even having Delia clap her hands softly. Though their joy at seeing such a sight was just as short lived as the horns themselves as Ryder was obviously not as impressed as they had been.
Puffing her cheeks out in frustration at Ryder's lackluster attitude, Glitch replied, "I dunno what you're talking about. That was great!" After getting compared to someone she didn't know, the blonde tilted her head back and forth, "Whose Alice?"
Trying to ignore the AIs inability to read into the bigger picture, the Basilisk sighed as she addressed Ryder directly. "There could be something interfering with your powers. I can't say what exactly, but I can sort of relate. I have the ability to turn into smoke and although I've only come into knowing how to control them consciously for a short time, they too are beginning to not work as well as they once had." She gave the boy a kind smile, "But in my case, I know the reason why and that it's only temporary while the cold season is here. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that you need to find out what's blocking your abilities first in order to combat it properly."
"Oh! Delia you are sooooo smart!"
Making a face at Glitch, "What's that suppose mean? I made you, didn't I?"
Chuckling, "I guess you have a point..."
Cordelia sighed once more before looking back to the other Raevan, "Is there anything you can think of Ryder? Anything at all that would hamper your powers?"
The Brit took a short moment to wander down to the part of the bar where the couple was seated and handed them their drinks. Upon returning, "Ah, yes, thank you for reminding me. I'll also be needing your measurements so I can have your uniforms tailored as soon as possible." Gesturing to the his own clothing of a pristine white button up with black cuffs layered with a red necktie, a simple black vest, dark grey dress pants and black dress shoes, "All employees are required to wear this type of uniform while on duty, even Nigel is outfitted with it. I have only two exceptions at moment; Cordelia only wears the top half for obvious reasons and our DJ wears something a little more fitting for her role, but matches the rest of us all the same. I suppose if and when we acquire more female employees I'll offer a skirt option as well, but look at me just rambling on." The man gave a laugh at his boring Evan with his future plannings. "Oh and don't worry about the cost of the uniforms, I'll cover that as well. Though weekly cleaning and maintenance costs are on you, I will however gladly replace uniforms that have obviously run their course over time."
At hearing that the mushroom Frei wasn't really sick and that he appreciated her concern, Glitch couldn't help grinning from ear to ear with happiness. She wished she had a physical form so she could give him a huge hug right then, but that was unfortunately not possible. Well technically she could, but all she'd end up doing is going right through him and just embarrassing herself.
Both girls watched silently as Ryder took to displaying his magic. At first nothing was happening and both seemed to wonder if maybe this was what the Raevan had been talking about, but then suddenly the area around his head seemed to shimmer to life as a pair of curled horns magically appeared! Course as soon as they'd come, they were just as soon to vanish, yet it left quite the impression as the girls gave sounds of awe, even having Delia clap her hands softly. Though their joy at seeing such a sight was just as short lived as the horns themselves as Ryder was obviously not as impressed as they had been.
Puffing her cheeks out in frustration at Ryder's lackluster attitude, Glitch replied, "I dunno what you're talking about. That was great!" After getting compared to someone she didn't know, the blonde tilted her head back and forth, "Whose Alice?"
Trying to ignore the AIs inability to read into the bigger picture, the Basilisk sighed as she addressed Ryder directly. "There could be something interfering with your powers. I can't say what exactly, but I can sort of relate. I have the ability to turn into smoke and although I've only come into knowing how to control them consciously for a short time, they too are beginning to not work as well as they once had." She gave the boy a kind smile, "But in my case, I know the reason why and that it's only temporary while the cold season is here. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that you need to find out what's blocking your abilities first in order to combat it properly."
"Oh! Delia you are sooooo smart!"
Making a face at Glitch, "What's that suppose mean? I made you, didn't I?"
Chuckling, "I guess you have a point..."
Cordelia sighed once more before looking back to the other Raevan, "Is there anything you can think of Ryder? Anything at all that would hamper your powers?"
Evan nodded as the Brit spoke. He had such a charismatic charm to him, and his wisdom exceeded anything Evan had experienced in his life thus far. The older men in his life were typically the customers at his bar, and they weren't really the type to be so sophisticated, to be kind. As he talked about paying his expenses, Evan piped up, "Wh-what? Don't take this the wrong way, but I cannot let you do that. I appreciate the offer, and of course I'll let you know where and when I move; but there is no way I could impose such a thing upon you. You've been more than welcoming, especially after just meeting me and offering me a job like this. There is no way I could accept such a gift." he chuckled. This man was crazy! He was either bonkers for offering a job to a stranger and offering to pay for expenses or an absolute saint. Either way, Evan was more than happy to make the move. As the man stepped away to help a customer, Evan pulled out his phone quickly to text Reuben, as there had been no sign of him since he left. As the man was returning, Evan clicked the lock button and slid the phone back into his pocket.
Evan's eyes widened at the thought. A tailored uniform!? How incredibly fancy! "Wow, I truly look forward to that. Of course, we can schedule a fitting anytime. Just let me know when and where! And of course, I'll be sure to keep it clean. I am just so entirely shocked that you've given me this opportunity. You don't know how much I appreciate it. I guess coming here today with these guys was meant to be," the man said with a bright smile on his face. He couldn't get over the fact that this man had been so kind and open to someone like him, especially after seeing his record. But everyone deserved a good life, and he knew that he'd have one here.
Ryder smiled at the compliment. He appreciated the thought, even though if she had known the extent of his powers prior, she'd be even more impressed. "Thanks...I appreciate it. And Alice is an imaginary friend of mine. Just like you, she can't be felt by people around her. Only I can interact with her physically. And she's my best friend. But she hasn't been around for such a long time," Ryder looked at the floor, obviously downcast for thinking about Alice.
When Cordelia spoke, the Toadstool raised a brow and began to tap on his chin in thought. What was causing this? The only thing he could think of was when he got grounded back in September. At that time, his muses fell silent, and everything around him dimmed due to the stress of being in trouble. He was no longer allowed to leave the house, which stunted his ability to practice magic as he'd do that outdoors in the woods in the middle of the night. So he sat in his room, his magical muses slowly dying. But when Reuben gave him the okay to go out again, he tried, and no matter how much he practiced, nothing worked like before. Did he want to involve someone he barely knew into his personal business? Not entirely. After all, he didn't tell Cesc or Xiu the truth. But something about Delia felt different, like she wouldn't judge him for getting into trouble. "Well...I was grounded a couple months ago, and since I couldn't practice my magic...it...sort of went away? I'm not entirely sure if that makes sense. But when I was able to go back out and practice, it just never came back," he said, sighing heavily.
Then he began to think about the dreams he had had recently. "I did have these weird dreams earlier this month...and that was the first time I had dreamt in a while. Since then my powers have really been heading in this downward spiral. I don't know what to do," he said, looking at the girls with saddened lime green eyes.
"Do you have any suggestions on what I could do to get them back?" he asked curiously, wondering if she'd have any sort of answer.
Evan's eyes widened at the thought. A tailored uniform!? How incredibly fancy! "Wow, I truly look forward to that. Of course, we can schedule a fitting anytime. Just let me know when and where! And of course, I'll be sure to keep it clean. I am just so entirely shocked that you've given me this opportunity. You don't know how much I appreciate it. I guess coming here today with these guys was meant to be," the man said with a bright smile on his face. He couldn't get over the fact that this man had been so kind and open to someone like him, especially after seeing his record. But everyone deserved a good life, and he knew that he'd have one here.
Ryder smiled at the compliment. He appreciated the thought, even though if she had known the extent of his powers prior, she'd be even more impressed. "Thanks...I appreciate it. And Alice is an imaginary friend of mine. Just like you, she can't be felt by people around her. Only I can interact with her physically. And she's my best friend. But she hasn't been around for such a long time," Ryder looked at the floor, obviously downcast for thinking about Alice.
When Cordelia spoke, the Toadstool raised a brow and began to tap on his chin in thought. What was causing this? The only thing he could think of was when he got grounded back in September. At that time, his muses fell silent, and everything around him dimmed due to the stress of being in trouble. He was no longer allowed to leave the house, which stunted his ability to practice magic as he'd do that outdoors in the woods in the middle of the night. So he sat in his room, his magical muses slowly dying. But when Reuben gave him the okay to go out again, he tried, and no matter how much he practiced, nothing worked like before. Did he want to involve someone he barely knew into his personal business? Not entirely. After all, he didn't tell Cesc or Xiu the truth. But something about Delia felt different, like she wouldn't judge him for getting into trouble. "Well...I was grounded a couple months ago, and since I couldn't practice my magic...it...sort of went away? I'm not entirely sure if that makes sense. But when I was able to go back out and practice, it just never came back," he said, sighing heavily.
Then he began to think about the dreams he had had recently. "I did have these weird dreams earlier this month...and that was the first time I had dreamt in a while. Since then my powers have really been heading in this downward spiral. I don't know what to do," he said, looking at the girls with saddened lime green eyes.
"Do you have any suggestions on what I could do to get them back?" he asked curiously, wondering if she'd have any sort of answer.
Adrian was neither saint nor crazy, though perhaps just a tad could be taken from either column to allow him do such an impulsive thing as hiring a stranger straight off the walk. The man wasn’t a gambling type either, not that this could be construed by any means as being a big wager, but it did beg questions. Besides, there was of course a whole probationary period that all new employees would encounter at any sort of job and the Silver Fox would be no different.
“Suit yourself. I will, however, leave the offer open in case you change your mind.” The Brit gave a light chuckle as he was pretty sure Evan would not even dare go back on what was just said, yet just in case things got too real too quick for the younger man, Adrian wanted him to rest assured that he did have options. Sapphire eyes swept the room in a surveying sort of manner as if looking for someone. “And now I do believe we have had quite enough of this stuffy type of talk. Will Mister Rothmore not be joining us once again? I certainly hope that is not the case as I have so much more I wish to discuss with him.”
The part about Alice sort of struck a sore cord in Delia then. Imaginary or not, having friends disappear from your life was never easy. The constant worrying of what had happened, whether they were okay, and whether or not it was your fault was always grating on the heart and mind.
Of course Glitch had been programmed to be upbeat and cheerful since she was the lounge’s DJ and thus her answer came as such, “Don’t worry Ryder. I’m sure Alice will be back as soon as she possibly can.”
After clearing her mind of her brief sadness towards missing friends, Cordelia took a long moment to think and analyze upon what the mushroom Raevan had just confided in her. The Basilisk couldn’t help thinking of Vesna’s guardian then and at what perspective he might see this in. It was then the older Frei leaned closer to the other and gave him an inquisitive look. “Ryder, be honest. How exactly are you feeling these days? Emotionally speaking. Do you find yourself more inclined to happy thoughts or more towards unhappy ones?”
“Suit yourself. I will, however, leave the offer open in case you change your mind.” The Brit gave a light chuckle as he was pretty sure Evan would not even dare go back on what was just said, yet just in case things got too real too quick for the younger man, Adrian wanted him to rest assured that he did have options. Sapphire eyes swept the room in a surveying sort of manner as if looking for someone. “And now I do believe we have had quite enough of this stuffy type of talk. Will Mister Rothmore not be joining us once again? I certainly hope that is not the case as I have so much more I wish to discuss with him.”
The part about Alice sort of struck a sore cord in Delia then. Imaginary or not, having friends disappear from your life was never easy. The constant worrying of what had happened, whether they were okay, and whether or not it was your fault was always grating on the heart and mind.
Of course Glitch had been programmed to be upbeat and cheerful since she was the lounge’s DJ and thus her answer came as such, “Don’t worry Ryder. I’m sure Alice will be back as soon as she possibly can.”
After clearing her mind of her brief sadness towards missing friends, Cordelia took a long moment to think and analyze upon what the mushroom Raevan had just confided in her. The Basilisk couldn’t help thinking of Vesna’s guardian then and at what perspective he might see this in. It was then the older Frei leaned closer to the other and gave him an inquisitive look. “Ryder, be honest. How exactly are you feeling these days? Emotionally speaking. Do you find yourself more inclined to happy thoughts or more towards unhappy ones?”
Evan nodded in thanks and agreement. "I sure hope he comes back soon," the man's voice trailed off at the end as he glanced around the bar once more. Where was Reuben anyway? He hadn't felt the buzzing of his phone in his pocket, and he needed to let him know what all was going on. Though it didn't take long for him to come back into sight at that moment.
It seemed as though the two had finished their interview, especially considering the text seemed to elude to the fact that it had concluded. Reuben made his appearance once again. He had been silently sitting in his car after a quick walk around the place to gather his thoughts and feelings. He really didn't mean to leave a sour taste in Evan's mouth about the whole job thing, in reality, he'd be doing much better for himself and that was always welcome. Reuben couldn't knock the guy for wanting to work in such an environment, especially when the current workplace was such a grungy and dirty bar.
Reuben pretended not to be angry any longer, though Evan knew better. "Hello Adrian," he stated quickly as he strode up to the bar next to Evan. "Did Evan impress?" he stated with a chuckle as he patted his friend on the back.
Evan did nothing but smile as he looked over his shoulder at Reuben, whom he knew was still angry. The two would definitely have to have a chat about that earlier outburst.
Ryder took the information from Glitch and softly chuckled. "Heh, thanks. I sure hope you're right, Glitch."
Upon looking at Delia and listening to her inquisition, he took a moment to reflect. How was he feeling? Sad. Frustrated. And he had opened up a bit more to Delia than he had to others in the past, which was great, but he felt so strange actually having someone to talk to, who was so inquisitive and who seemed to genuinely want to know how he felt.
"Honestly speaking, I've been quite frustrated with my life the past few months. I guess to answer your question directly, I've leaned more towards unhappy emotional thoughts than happy ones. Though that's just a matter of me changing my outlook on some situations, but it's just hard to do that when I'm consistently so frustrated at my lack of focus...and even though I've been quite diligent, my powers have declined immensely from a few months ago. It's just all very different and difficult to gauge."
It seemed as though the two had finished their interview, especially considering the text seemed to elude to the fact that it had concluded. Reuben made his appearance once again. He had been silently sitting in his car after a quick walk around the place to gather his thoughts and feelings. He really didn't mean to leave a sour taste in Evan's mouth about the whole job thing, in reality, he'd be doing much better for himself and that was always welcome. Reuben couldn't knock the guy for wanting to work in such an environment, especially when the current workplace was such a grungy and dirty bar.
Reuben pretended not to be angry any longer, though Evan knew better. "Hello Adrian," he stated quickly as he strode up to the bar next to Evan. "Did Evan impress?" he stated with a chuckle as he patted his friend on the back.
Evan did nothing but smile as he looked over his shoulder at Reuben, whom he knew was still angry. The two would definitely have to have a chat about that earlier outburst.
Ryder took the information from Glitch and softly chuckled. "Heh, thanks. I sure hope you're right, Glitch."
Upon looking at Delia and listening to her inquisition, he took a moment to reflect. How was he feeling? Sad. Frustrated. And he had opened up a bit more to Delia than he had to others in the past, which was great, but he felt so strange actually having someone to talk to, who was so inquisitive and who seemed to genuinely want to know how he felt.
"Honestly speaking, I've been quite frustrated with my life the past few months. I guess to answer your question directly, I've leaned more towards unhappy emotional thoughts than happy ones. Though that's just a matter of me changing my outlook on some situations, but it's just hard to do that when I'm consistently so frustrated at my lack of focus...and even though I've been quite diligent, my powers have declined immensely from a few months ago. It's just all very different and difficult to gauge."
"Ah Mister Rothmore!" Adrian's blue eyes brightened up a bit more on the younger gentlemen's return. He still had news to tell him. "Welcome back. And yes, well Mister Reed's true time to shine is still to come with training and whatnot, but I have no doubt as long as he stays as open minded and positive as he is now, then we will soon find ourselves hard pressed to understand how we ever managed without him." The elder man gave a good natured laugh before continuing. "Oh by the way, I've been meaning to tell you that my daughter Ebony has finally been found. I wanted to thank you once again for your earlier help in the matter."
Cordelia leaned back as to give Ryder a little more room to breathe and allow himself to confine in her what she had already been suspecting. Quietly listening, the Frei couldn't help thinking how odd it felt to be on the other side of one of these conversations, her being the older Raevan trying to bestow what little wisdom she held to a younger one of her kind. It was weird, but it made her feel sort of happy too. She hoped she could help him in whatever little way she could.
"Hmm, I see, just as I thought. You know, sometimes when we're depressed about things, it can manifest into unusual physical ailments. Case in point for our kind, sometimes it can interfere with our abilities. And sometimes the more we try to force things to work and the more it doesn't work, the worse the condition becomes." Cordelia was eyeing the time on one of the table surfaces, making note to send Glitch down to DJ when it was time for the lounge to switch gears. "I think all your frustration is blocking your powers and then your frustration about that is just exacerbating everything. Perhaps the best thing to do is just forget about it. Do things that you enjoy and make you happy to alleviate your negativity and eventually your powers should come back on their own." Delia frowned slight then though as some other thought crossed her mind then. "Of course, if things still aren't improving after that, I do highly suggest getting the Lab staff involved as it may be something else entirely. I wouldn't want to give you bad advice if that were the case."
Cordelia leaned back as to give Ryder a little more room to breathe and allow himself to confine in her what she had already been suspecting. Quietly listening, the Frei couldn't help thinking how odd it felt to be on the other side of one of these conversations, her being the older Raevan trying to bestow what little wisdom she held to a younger one of her kind. It was weird, but it made her feel sort of happy too. She hoped she could help him in whatever little way she could.
"Hmm, I see, just as I thought. You know, sometimes when we're depressed about things, it can manifest into unusual physical ailments. Case in point for our kind, sometimes it can interfere with our abilities. And sometimes the more we try to force things to work and the more it doesn't work, the worse the condition becomes." Cordelia was eyeing the time on one of the table surfaces, making note to send Glitch down to DJ when it was time for the lounge to switch gears. "I think all your frustration is blocking your powers and then your frustration about that is just exacerbating everything. Perhaps the best thing to do is just forget about it. Do things that you enjoy and make you happy to alleviate your negativity and eventually your powers should come back on their own." Delia frowned slight then though as some other thought crossed her mind then. "Of course, if things still aren't improving after that, I do highly suggest getting the Lab staff involved as it may be something else entirely. I wouldn't want to give you bad advice if that were the case."
Reuben listened and even agreed with the Brit on the aspect of Evan's time to shine. He couldn't agree more, even though his initial thoughts were not so inclined. "Yes, he'll be a great asset to your team!" he started. As soon as he began to speak about Ebony coming back, Reuben's jaw dropped. "What!? Where is she? I am so happy to hear that she's returned! I bet you and Cordelia are more than happy to be reunited!" The man couldn't help but contain his excitement, as this had been something he predicted months ago. "I am excited to meet her!"
Evan sat back in silence, listening in on what the two had to discuss. His mind fluttered with thoughts of working here, how he'd tell his current employer about leaving, and having to figure out what to do with this huge step in the right direction.
The advice given to the young frei from the elder was amazing. She knew firsthand what he was going through. And what she said made complete sense. "I...never thought about it that way. I guess you're right. I'll try and find something else to focus on, but it's so hard when all I love to do is magic and practice it. But, hopefully you're right and they come back if I just find something else to occupy my time. And I'll definitely meet with the lab staff if need be," he said with a smile, contemplating what else he actually loved to do and thinking of other things to keep his mind busy. Though, being honest, the last thing he wanted was to involve anyone with his problems. He sort of hoped to take care of it himself. If that wasn't a possibility however, he would heed Delia's warnings and see someone.
Evan sat back in silence, listening in on what the two had to discuss. His mind fluttered with thoughts of working here, how he'd tell his current employer about leaving, and having to figure out what to do with this huge step in the right direction.
The advice given to the young frei from the elder was amazing. She knew firsthand what he was going through. And what she said made complete sense. "I...never thought about it that way. I guess you're right. I'll try and find something else to focus on, but it's so hard when all I love to do is magic and practice it. But, hopefully you're right and they come back if I just find something else to occupy my time. And I'll definitely meet with the lab staff if need be," he said with a smile, contemplating what else he actually loved to do and thinking of other things to keep his mind busy. Though, being honest, the last thing he wanted was to involve anyone with his problems. He sort of hoped to take care of it himself. If that wasn't a possibility however, he would heed Delia's warnings and see someone.
Nigel appeared behind Adrian again and as not to interrupt their conversation, quietly relayed to the human another order. At the man's confirming nod, the blonde AI evaporated into the air as if he were never there to begin with. Pushing his sleeves up higher as he prepared said order, Adrian gave Reuben a sad sort of smile. "Thank you for the kind words, but I'm afraid we'll have to postpone a meeting for the time being. Ebony has gone through some horrible ordeal of which we know little to nothing about. And it's not like we can ask her as she's in a coma at present." Realizing he was being rather gloomy for a host, Adrian quickly recomposed himself and continued, "But yes, we are very happy to have her back and I'm sure once she's woken up and a bit more recovered, she'll want to meet you as well."
She was surprised when Ryder's big green eyes swelled wider with sudden understanding. As if Cordelia had bestowed upon him the greatest epiphany of all time. Honestly, she wasn't sure if anything of what she said was even in the least bit helpful, but she was glad it seemed to put his mind more at ease.
The snake was smiling before Nigel apparated in once more and she suddenly gave an angry outburst to interrupt whatever the other was about to say. "Oh come off it Nigel! I know, I know. I'll be down in a minute, sheesh...oh and take Glitch with you. It's almost lounge time."
The male AI nodded in silent response before taking Glitch by the arm as if to physically drag her away. Of course the colorful girl began to protest and shove at the other to get him to let go. It was certainly strange to see how two digital beings could physically interact with one another, yet they could not with either Cordelia or Ryder. "Nooooo!!! I don't want to go! I want to stay and talk more with Ryder! Nigel you big meanie!!!"
Cordelia sighed and wondered what she'd fumbled to get this kind of personality. Though she really didn't want to comb through that giant wall of text to figure it out any time soon either. "Oh my god Glitch, we all have things we need to do around here. So just go already before I decide to totally wipe your whole code and start from scratch!"
Reluctantly, the blonde girl went, but not without sniffling and commenting on how scary and mean 'Cordie' could be. Again the Basilisk sighed, "Sorry about that Ryder and sorry about cutting things short again. Things are probably only going to get more busy as the night drags on and there's only Granddad and I for the moment unfortunately." Regardless of her unwillingness of wanting to leave, Cordelia got up anyway. "Look, I don't know if what I said is really helpful or not, but I do hope you find a solution soon. If anything, you're always welcome here. So don't be a stranger kid." She stopped briefly to smirk at the mushroom Frei, ruffle his blonde bangs and tug his cap down slight before heading back downstairs. Chuckling, "Oh by the by, you really should stick around for the night club. DJ Glitch is totally legit."
She was surprised when Ryder's big green eyes swelled wider with sudden understanding. As if Cordelia had bestowed upon him the greatest epiphany of all time. Honestly, she wasn't sure if anything of what she said was even in the least bit helpful, but she was glad it seemed to put his mind more at ease.
The snake was smiling before Nigel apparated in once more and she suddenly gave an angry outburst to interrupt whatever the other was about to say. "Oh come off it Nigel! I know, I know. I'll be down in a minute, sheesh...oh and take Glitch with you. It's almost lounge time."
The male AI nodded in silent response before taking Glitch by the arm as if to physically drag her away. Of course the colorful girl began to protest and shove at the other to get him to let go. It was certainly strange to see how two digital beings could physically interact with one another, yet they could not with either Cordelia or Ryder. "Nooooo!!! I don't want to go! I want to stay and talk more with Ryder! Nigel you big meanie!!!"
Cordelia sighed and wondered what she'd fumbled to get this kind of personality. Though she really didn't want to comb through that giant wall of text to figure it out any time soon either. "Oh my god Glitch, we all have things we need to do around here. So just go already before I decide to totally wipe your whole code and start from scratch!"
Reluctantly, the blonde girl went, but not without sniffling and commenting on how scary and mean 'Cordie' could be. Again the Basilisk sighed, "Sorry about that Ryder and sorry about cutting things short again. Things are probably only going to get more busy as the night drags on and there's only Granddad and I for the moment unfortunately." Regardless of her unwillingness of wanting to leave, Cordelia got up anyway. "Look, I don't know if what I said is really helpful or not, but I do hope you find a solution soon. If anything, you're always welcome here. So don't be a stranger kid." She stopped briefly to smirk at the mushroom Frei, ruffle his blonde bangs and tug his cap down slight before heading back downstairs. Chuckling, "Oh by the by, you really should stick around for the night club. DJ Glitch is totally legit."
Reuben's face fell in concern for the information he was just presented. Returned in a coma? That was the saddest news. But aside from that he was just happy to hear she had returned. "Well, I'm glad she's home, anyway. Hopefully she wakes soon and you'll be able to all be back to normal," he stated with a smile.
Looking over at Evan, his face was full of confusion. Sadness for the news, though he had no idea who this Ebony was. Reuben gave a side smirk and whispered, "I'll explain later."
To which, Evan replied with a quick nod and look around the place. It was really filling up now and his mind was spinning with all the new possibilities that could happen now that he was to be working here. He couldn't wait to begin.
Ryder watched the scene unfold between the two digital beings and the fellow frei. He simply waved a hand as Glitch left. It was getting later and he didn't want to keep any of them from their jobs here. After all, this was the first night, they were sure to be busy.
The mushroom's face crinkled as the other ruffed his bangs and played with his cap. He gave a smile before speaking, "DJ Glitch sounds great. I'll speak with Reuben and hopefully we can stay."
Thinking once more upon the words the basilisk spoke just moments before, he smiled. Before she hit the staircase, all Ryder could do was blurt out, "Cordelia...thanks."
Looking over at Evan, his face was full of confusion. Sadness for the news, though he had no idea who this Ebony was. Reuben gave a side smirk and whispered, "I'll explain later."
To which, Evan replied with a quick nod and look around the place. It was really filling up now and his mind was spinning with all the new possibilities that could happen now that he was to be working here. He couldn't wait to begin.
Ryder watched the scene unfold between the two digital beings and the fellow frei. He simply waved a hand as Glitch left. It was getting later and he didn't want to keep any of them from their jobs here. After all, this was the first night, they were sure to be busy.
The mushroom's face crinkled as the other ruffed his bangs and played with his cap. He gave a smile before speaking, "DJ Glitch sounds great. I'll speak with Reuben and hopefully we can stay."
Thinking once more upon the words the basilisk spoke just moments before, he smiled. Before she hit the staircase, all Ryder could do was blurt out, "Cordelia...thanks."